Some Do’s and Don’ts of Seal Engineering

Seals are an important part of industrial equipment and machinery. It is very important to ensure that they are in proper condition as their condition can have an impact on the overall performance of the equipment. Thus, we have created a list of some important dos and don’ts of seal engineering to help you make sure that the seals are in a proper functioning condition.

If you have any experience of working with industrial equipment and machinery, then you would know that seals are vital components of these type of equipment and machinery. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of the seals is integral to get the desired output from the equipment.

While seals are usually inexpensive, buying them on a regular basis can still lead to a fair amount over time. Thus, to help you make sure that the hydraulic seal on your equipment is in a fully functioning condition we have created a list of some important do’s and don’ts.

Do’s

Consider the effects of pressure rise-rate as the pressure that rises rapidly can often lead to blow-by, allowing the fluid to pass through the seal.

Remember that wear rings with scarf cut are a lot better on a bearing’s unloaded side. This helps in making sure that the material coverage is maximum, and the wear ring can distribute the load evenly.

Remember that speed has a substantial impact on the thickness of the fluid film and subsequently on the friction, leakage, sealing effectiveness, and wear. With decreasing velocities, there can be an increase in the leakage.

Be aware that vibration can also have a substantial effect on the performance of the seal. While some materials do have enhanced dynamic properties and allow better tracking of the shaft, every material doesn’t.

Also, monitor the heating caused due to friction. This heat can significantly increase the temperature close to the seal.

Don’ts

Never underestimate the ballooning of hardware or the deformations that are caused internally because of pressure. Mating hardware changes can have a huge impact on the performance of the seal.

Never neglect the impact. Impact conditions often put enhanced loads on the wear surfaces, which some of the materials might not be able to withstand.

Do not forget that speed can change the properties of fluid substantially. Viscosity breakdown, increased temperature, degradation, and separation of chemicals are often linked with high speeds, and these factors can lead to premature failure of the seals.

Never ignore the problems related to buckling, impact, or other dynamic events. Conditions that are usually caused due to reactions that are caused instantaneously or because of instability can rarely be replicated.

Do not test the limits of the seal at a temperature which is substantially higher than the limit of the component. It can often lead to premature ageing and modes of failure which will never really be experienced by the seals during the application.

Remember the do’s and don’ts of seal engineering mentioned above to ensure that the seals provide you with the desired functionality without damage or premature failure.